ENGLISH
REFERENCE

abuser

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //əbˈjuzɝ// UK //ɐbjˈuːsɐ// abus·er Archaic

n. a person who treats someone else in a cruel, violent, or unfair way. It can also describe someone who uses something, like a drug, in a way that is harmful.

n. a person who treats another with cruelty or violence, especially on a regular or repeated basis. Also refers to an individual who uses a substance or system in an improper or harmful manner.


SIMPLE

The victim finally spoke out against her abuser.

CONTEXTUAL

Social workers are trained to identify signs of trauma in children who may be living with an abuser.

COMPLEX

The legal system must balance the protection of the vulnerable with the rights of the accused when investigating a suspected abuser within a domestic setting.

Origin

From abuse + -er.

Usage

Commonly modified by the type of harm, such as 'child abuser' or 'substance abuser'.

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